President Obama wants to make the first two years of college as universal as high school.

In a new proposal, he seeks to make the first two year of college free for 'responsible' students who maintain a certain GPA and stay on track to graduate.

Students must, among other things, maintain a GPA of at least 2.5. There will be other requirements.

Some of the burden lies with the colleges themselves. They have to offer classes that will easily transfer to other institutions so students may use the credits toward graduation. The White House press release says there are other things the community colleges will have to do as well.

Building High-Quality Community Colleges: Community colleges will be expected to offer programs that either (1) are academic programs that fully transfer to local public four-year colleges and universities, giving students a chance to earn half of the credit they need for a four-year degree, or (2) are occupational training programs with high graduation rates and that lead to degrees and certificates that are in demand among employers.  Other types of programs will not be eligible for free tuition.  Colleges must also adopt promising and evidence-based institutional reforms to improve student outcomes, such as the effective Accelerated Study in Associate Programs (ASAP) programs at the City University of New York which waive tuition, help students pay for books and transit costs, and provide academic advising and supportive scheduling programs to better meet the needs of participating students, resulting in greater gains in college persistence and degree completion.

According to the Coloradoan, Front Range Community College President Andy Dorsey supports the program, but realizes that it has a long way to go before it can come to fruition.

“There’s a whole lot of hurdles the proposal needs to get over for it to pass,” Dorsey said. “I’m taking it kind of slow and not getting too excited about it.”

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